I Whispered in the Dark

Brainstorming:1

Historical Narrative: A narrative where the writer tries to capture a moment in history through a variety of narrative techniques. 2

Historical Figure Being Profiled: 3

First wife of Vlad "Tepes" Dracul (a.k.a. Vlad "The Impaler" Dracula) 4

**In various texts she is only referred to as "Translyvanian Noblewoman" Little is known about her (I'm working on that!) Except that in order to escape Turkish capture she threw herself from the highest tower of Castle Dracula, into the river below- ultimately killing her. Today locals call the river the Arges meaning "The Lady's River" or "Princess". 5

The Idea: 6

To write a historical narrative from the point of view of Dracula's first wife- a figure who has remained silent through the centuries. It is well known that Dracula had many mistresses, as was common of the period, but only two wives. This first wife gave birth to Dracula's most prominent son Mihnea "the bad" before her tragic death. 7

Preface 8

In the grand design of things, I was one of his luckier victims. I was never tossed into the dungeon, nor was I ever acquainted with those wooden utensils of he used. I suffered not from the infamous deeds that made up his reputation, but from his soul. He loved to watch me wake from dream filled slumbers. I suppose it appealed to his curious nature to marvel at humanity's norms. Then again marvel often turned to irritation when he realized there were things he could not bend to his will. He made a career out of bending enemy and subject alike to his desires. I believe he would have bowed the wind itself to his purposes if he could have. 9

Unfortunately, it became apparent to me that he could take no joy in everyday life. He reminded me very much of a child who's run out of rocks to throw in a river- bored and listless. Toying with lives became his pastime, as it was the only one he deemed worthy of his attributes besides his scholarly ambitions. He took his pleasure from the pain of others and he felt compelled to amuse himself by whatever means necessary. So when I was handed the news of his latest "artwork" as he referred to it, the forest of the impaled, I was hardly surprised. 10

In order to drive back the hellish infidel, he had 20,000 Turkish soldiers impaled on the road from (city), on a scorching day in June. This was done so that the infidel's sultan, (name), would know the power, the resolve, and the blackened heart that beat in my beloved's chest. These things were done in the name of the Lord our God so that the corrupted faith of those monsters could not threaten 11

I suppose I sound mad with these jumbled explanations, but the infidel is near and I fear so is my demise. This manuscript will serve as the last page of our life together- a testament to my dedication to my husband's glory. I pray that if this script should fall into the wrong hands it would be dismissed as the ravings of a dying woman; it saddens my heart that this is partially true. But I must preserve our lives and his greatness before they are lost to the ages. 12

I am Princess Elizabetta of Wallichia, wife of the true viovode, Vlad Dracula, and mother his only pure heir. My time is short; at this very moment Turkish horses are galloping towards our fortress here at Poenari. I must finish this chronicle if the truth is to be known. This is my last gift to my husband, for I know where he must go I cannot follow. I will not be a burden. I will not hold him back from his destiny. He must be free of pity and empowered by rage if he is to survive. If Romania is to survive...13